Chris -- SCREECH OWL nestbox 2013

[dale]

11:15 PM CDT – Between the time the first owlet leaves the nest (thus becoming a “brancher�), and all the owlets have left the nest and begun to fly (thus becoming “fledglings�), the adult owls spend their nights operating in a hyper-defensive mode that results in any potential threat that passes near a tree containing an owlet being warned with bill clapping to go away, warned more severely with mock attack passes, and finally outright attacks, which are not unlike being unexpectedly hit in the head with a well lobbed softball that happens to have needle-sharp talons.

Tonight, however, this clodhopper seems to have found a curious loophole in the rules: Go out on a pleasant night when the sky is bright enough to make silhouettes of the trees, lay down in the grass between a favorite screech owl perch and their nest, their branchers, or, ideally, all three, then watch and listen. The adults will fly to and from the hunt and the nest answering the begging calls of owlets, they will fly to branchers with food, they will pause on branches above you for long studies, they will fly silent and low just above you apparently without ill intent, and they will also pause on favorite perches nearby and exchange songs with each other; the conversations of owls. Call it anthropomorphizing, if you wish, but I recommend withholding judgement until hearing it yourself.

Tonight, while exploiting that loophole for several hours, I watched owlet no. 1, leap and climb, leap and climb its way through the nest box tree, and into the adjacent crepe myrtle, which will provide it with good cover during the day tomorrow. Silent arcs of migrating birds, their pale undersides caught in the city lights, disappeared into the north one after another, crickets sang from all sides, light winds passed by, playing in the grass as they went, and a few Alpha Virginids even showed themselves.

Owlet no. 1 could scarcely have chosen a better night for branching.

[Paul Hamilton]

Truly fine nature writing by Chris.
(the family portrait isn't bad, either)

Thanks, Dale.

Paul

[dale]

If anyone is enjoying the owls, Chris has, as you know, had a REALLY rugged year keeping the owlcam going and, I know, REALLY appreciates emails saying so or, if you're up to it, postcards.

there's a link to send email at the bottom of the main owlcam page
http://gargravarr.cc.utexas.edu/owl/

("If you are enjoying the Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Cam' this season, please send a picture postcard, ideally depicting where you live. My address (as of April 4, 2013) is: Chris W. Johnson, P.O. Box 7806, Austin, TX 78713, USA. If you have questions or comments, continue to send email.)

His new postal address: Chris W. Johnson, P.O. Box 7806, Austin, TX 78713, USA

[dale]

this is owlet #2 to leave, I think

[dale]

Owlet 4 watches owlet 3, who has just left the box, climb away.
Owlet 4 followed suit shortly, albeit in a different direction.
Great description from Chris on the main page - his two retrievals of owlets (from the ground and too-low) and the tiny puncture wounds he has to show for his kindness...

[Dumpsterkitty]

Sigh! Empty nest syndrome...stay safe babies!

[dale]

great video. It was during the day after the first branching. three owlets and Mme. in the box, and a bit of everything for the connoisseur - slurpy amphibian-eating, mom trying to dislodge an owlet that is inconveniently plugging the exit hole, owlets promiscuously hoping for food from any possible source, etc.
http://gargravarr.cc.utexas.edu/owl/2013/20130415/video/20130415-235053-CDT.mp4

[Patti from Kentucky]

I love the undignified shot of the owlet with the long tail hanging out of its mouth.

[dale]

yeah, they always look funny slurping up geckos. You look for the meatballs and tomato sauce.

[Carol P.]

yeah, they always look funny slurping up geckos. You look for the meatballs and tomato sauce.

 

[dale]

Chris reports hearing and seeing all four owlets (three in the same tree, one more distant) -- and posted photos of two of them